CIA director John Ratcliffe reportedly on Moscow visit
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has made an unannounced visit to Moscow, marking his first trip to Russia in his current role. The visit comes amid stalled US-brokered talks regarding the war in Ukraine and reports that the Trump administration requested a temporary pause in long-range strikes.
Why it matters
High-level intelligence visits to Moscow during ongoing geopolitical tensions suggest back-channel diplomacy or critical negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict.
John Ratcliffe was sworn in as director of the CIA in January 2025. John Ratcliffe was sworn in as director of the CIA in January 2025. CIA CIA director John Ratcliffe reportedly on Moscow visit Unannounced trip reported by US media is said to be Ratcliffe’s first known visit to Russia as CIA chief
Prefer the Guardian on Google The CIA director, John Ratcliffe, has made an unannounced visit to Moscow, US media reported, after flight data showed an American military aircraft flew to the Russian capital, where a US diplomatic motorcade was later spotted.
CBS News quoted sources familiar with the situation as confirming Ratcliffe’s trip, saying it was his first known visit to Russia as CIA chief. Axios separately confirmed the visit, quoting a US official.
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